Related articles

If we didn’t have the EU to bring together countries to work on these issues, then we’d have to invent it all over again

Caroline Lucas

Look at the fate of the birds we all love. Analysis by the RSPB, BirdLife International and Durham University reveals that the most consistent single factor in a species' fate is whether it has the highest level of protection under EU nature laws.

Some of the successes have been astonishing. There are now 21 times more red kites soaring above our fields and villages, and the number of charismatic and colourful cranes are up by an amazing 1660 per cent. Bird lovers have every reason to back Britain in the EU.

And you don’t just have to love feathered creatures to be a fan of the EU.

The EU has protected animals of all varieties. It brought in a blanket ban on cosmetic animal testing and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.

It ended the use of great apes in research. EU bans on the import of cat and dog fur and the trade in seal products make sure our continent doesn't contribute to these gruesome industries.

The EU banned the use of veal crates for calves and narrow sow stalls for pigs that cruelly restrict movement. While not perfect these rules give millions of farmed animals a higher quality of life.

It also banned the use of barren battery cages for hens, a measure the UK egg industry lobbied to postpone. These measures are now paving the way for the implementation of similar laws across the world.

As an MP for a coastal community I’m also thankful to the European Union for rules which have scrubbed up British Beaches – making them better habitats for wildlife, as well as safer, more pleasant places for people too. After years of neglect it’s incredible that 95 per cent of our beaches are clean enough to swim in.

12 reasons why you should vote IN or OUT of EU

Tue, May 10, 2016

We take a look through 12 reasons you should vote IN or OUT of the EU as Britain decides on June 23rd 2016.

Here in Britain we’ve seen the effects of a fast changing climate. Serious flooding has become more common, causing millions of pounds worth of damage and wrecking people’s homes.

Thankfully the EU is a help when it comes to averting and recovering from these natural disasters. Millions of pounds worth of funding has come from Brussels to help rebuilding efforts after floods and EU rules are a crucial part of the worldwide push against dangerous climate change.

When it comes to the big challenges of the future being part of the EU is vital. Just look at the air pollution that blights our cities, damages our lungs and causes thousands of premature deaths.

In my hometown of Brighton & Hove this serious threat is caused both by cars and lorries in the city, but also because of pollution blown over from France. Now, after years of sitting on their hands the Government is being forced to act on this public health emergency – and EU rules mean that the French Government is compelled to act too.

GETTY

Lucas says the EU has cracked down on pollution arriving from France

I can understand why people have concerns about the EU – and I don’t pretend for a second that it’s perfect. But if you’re someone who cares about the environment then the evidence for a ‘Remain’ vote is indisputable.

The bottom line is this: Environmental problems don’t respect borders and boundaries. If we didn’t have the EU to bring together countries to work on these issues, then we’d have to invent it all over again.

So let’s remain a member of the EU and work to make it better for our environment, for animals and for all of us.